AN OUTREACH MINISTRY OF SAINT DUNSTAN’S CHURCH

Haiti and the Need

Nestled between Cuba and Puerto Rico in the Caribbean Sea is the island of Hispanola. The eastern portion of the island is the Dominican Republic while the western portion is Haiti. With over eight million people Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and has overwhelming needs in every aspect of life, from political stability to economic development, from health and sanitation to education. Most leaders and observers of Haitian life, including Bishop Duracin of the Episcopal Diocese of Haiti, believe that improved education for the Haitian people at all levels is the only hope for a brighter future for Haiti. During the past 27 years St. Dunstan’s church has chosen to assist with the effort to realize the Bishop’s goal to improve education for Haiti.  We have been called to help, and have been greatly enriched by our efforts.

Our Mission

Saint Dunstan’s parish is committed to building and supporting the most viable, contemporary educational program possible for the children of St. Andre’s School in Hinche, Haiti.

History of our Ministry at Saint Andre’s School

In 1982, two students from All Saints Episcopal Day School, who were also members of St. Dunstan’s Church, traveled to Hinche, a city of 30,000 in the Central Region of Haiti, and established a relationship with St. Andre’s parish and school. The relationships that were established, the observations that were made and the needs that were identified became the seeds of our ministry which flourishes today.

Parish members travel to Hinche on a regular basis to show our love and support for the struggles of St. Andre’s students and parish members. In 1994 St. Dunstan’s arranged for the headmaster and priest, Pere Leonel Charles, to visit Carmel Valley for 10 days. He brought a message of hope and encouragement to the entire parish.  Following that visit the parish raised over $45,000 to rebuild and expand St. Andre’s school building from three to twelve classrooms. The level of our support for all aspects of the school program increased dramatically during the late 1990s as did visits to Hinche from our parish.

In November 1999 our rector, Fr. Jeff Kraemer, went to Hinche to participate in the dedication of the rebuilt school. In November 2000 Pere Max Accim, the St. Andre’s priest and headmaster, along with several others associated with education in Haiti came to Carmel Valley. Again our level of support and the amount of parish involvement grew. We currently support about half of the school budget primarily through our annual scholarship drive to which over 130 individuals and families make donations.

Pere Walin De Camps, Priest & Headmaster

In the summer of 2003 a new priest, Walin De Camps, (left) came to St. Andre’s School and Parish and has provided new leadership by re-instating a hot lunch program, a computer lab and completing the secondary classroom level.

We Work with Others

St. Dunstan’s is not alone in its ministry in Haiti. Many American dioceses, parishes and schools support over 250 Haitian Episcopal schools. Our team has helped establish several new partnerships. There is coordination and financial accountability through the Haiti Episcopal Partnership Program. Our national church, through Episcopal Relief and Development, has made assistance to Haiti a high priority and has been a resource to us.

Recent Support Activities

330+ scholarships purchased annually support about half of the school budget. Enrollment has increased from 30

primary students in 1982 to over 800 students, preschool through grade 13.  50% of the students are girls.  While the school is operated by the Episcopal Church, there is no religious requirement for a child to be enrolled.

Purchased two adjacent properties allowing expansion of playground and space to add new facilities.

Drilled a new 100′ well, provided a large generator for all-day electricity, and upgraded the entire electrical system.

Supplied computers for instruction and school use plus musical instruments for school & church music programs.

Sent microscopes, maps, globes, calculators, educational games, tape recorders plus energy-efficient light bulbs.

Brought Priest & Headmaster, Rev. Walin DeCamps to St. Dunstan’s Church twice for exposure to the entire parish.

Provided satellite internet connection for reliable communi- cation with the priest plus internet for staff and students.

Provided 4 years of financial support of a university student in teacher training who will return to St. Andre’s School.

Reinstated a hot meal for all students each day. Converted kitchen from wood & charcoal burning fire to propane stove. Also added a refrigerator to the kitchen facility.

Current Challenges and Needs of St. Andre’s:

Find a permanent funding source for the hot lunch program.

Complete the solar power system & energy saving initiatives.

Upgrade sanitation system to accommodate increase in students

Complete structural evaluation of safety of facilities.

Continue to support parishioner visits to St. Andre’s.

Long range: a separate facility for secondary students.

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